Processional Image (The Androgyn), 2025 Carved and painted wood with silver leaf H. 24” x 16” x 12” Before the Christianization of the Philippines by Spain, there was a figure of a priestess/shaman who led the community in religious affairs and healing. This shaman is called Bayog who is biologically male but plays the role of the priestess.
Come to me I will nourish you, 2023 Carved and painted wood with gold leaf H. 20” x 15.5” x 2”
The Pomegranate, 2025 Carved and painted wood with gold leaf H. 36” x 24” x 2” It is very interesting that the presence of this sacred fruit has been very significant and symbolic in many cultures and religions for millennia.
Domestic Altar n.1, 2024 Carved and painted wood with gold leaf on found wooden box H. 24” x 18” x 9” Even prior to Christianity most homes have shrines where they put offerings for the ancestors and deities alike.
Homage to the Divided Child, 2024 Carved and painted wood with gold leaf H. 20” x 16” x 2” The divided child from the story of the goddess who married a mortal man inspired me. Through the myth I can connect from the distant past to the present remembering that most of the time the children are silent victims.
Sarimanok n. 1, 2024 Carved and painted wood with gold leaf H. 12” x 10” x 1” The Sarimanok is a mythological bird from Southern Philippines that is believed to symbolize wealth and power.
The Resurrection of the Divided Child, 2024 Carved and painted wood with gold leaf H. 36” x 31.75” x 2” The goddess Bugan brought the lower half of her child to heaven after the divorce from her mortal husband. When she reached heaven she resurrected her son, making him whole again.
The Rice God, 2024 Carved and painted wood H. 60” x 24” x 2” Lakambakod is the name of this god. The ancient Filipinos prayed to him for an abundant harvest. He was often depicted wearing a golden mask and a gilded phallus.
The Icon Carved and painted wood with gold leaf H. 12” x 10” x 1” I created a series of more intimate small relief sculptures of mythological deities. I thought of the portable sacred icons for private devotion from the remote past.
The Divorcee, 2023 Carved and painted wood H. 36” x 24” x 2” For me some mythological elements from the story of goddess Bugan are still relevant to the present. It still can connect to some social issues of pain and separation for both parents and children.
My Struggling Hero, 2018 Carved and painted wood H. 40” x 31.5” x 2” The legend of Bernardo Carpio is one of the most frequent legends my grandfather told me when I was a child. This figure of a man struggling to free himself between giant boulders. He became a symbol of a saviour who would free the people from the Spanish colonizers.